If you had plans to gallop in Galicia next month, or to strut across Santiago de Compostela, you might need to rethink your travel plans. One of Spain’s major airports in the region is set to close for over a month.
We’re talking about the Santiago-Rosalia de Castro airport, just about 15 kilometres from one of Spain’s major tourist destinations, Santiago de Compostela. The travel hub in northern Spain will shut its runways for five weeks, from April 23 to May 27, for resurfacing work, meaning zero flights in or out of the destination during that time.
This is the busiest airport in Galicia and the second-busiest in northern Spain. The airport usually handles regular international and domestic traffic, and several airlines like British Airways, Ryanair and Vueling are expected to be impacted during May.
What if I’ve already booked my flight?
If you’ve already booked, be prepared for a change of arrival destination. Nearby airports like A Coruña and Vigo are expected to pick up the slack, while Portugal’s Porto airport is another solid alternative if you don’t mind a lengthier transfer. From there, it’s either a train, bus or car hire to reach Santiago.
Airlines should be reaching out to flyers soon, but travellers can also contact them directly to ask about their flight status.
The airport closure, while necessary, comes at a rather inconvenient time for travel and tourism in Spain. Since March 30, airport staff have called for strikes at 12 major airports across the country, including Alicante, Barcelona, the Canary Islands, Ibiza, Madrid, Malaga and Palma, due to an ongoing pay dispute. Strikes will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during three time slots: 5am to 7am, 11am to 5pm, and 10pm to midnight.
Galicia is one of Spain’s most culturally rich regions, home to the final stopping point of the Camino de Santiago. Travellers can still visit the region, but take heed that it might take a little longer to get there.
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